Consultation on Gambling Statement of Principles 2026

*This consultation has now closed*

The Gambling Act 2005 requires all local authorities to have in place a Statement of Principles, which must be reviewed and consulted upon at least every 3 years.  The current Hastings Borough Council policy has been in place since 2023 and has now been reviewed and revised to include a local area profile within Appendix 7 of the Policy.

The policy relates to the licensing of betting shops, bingo halls, amusement arcades, etc. In particular, the policy is intended to guide decision makers, applicants, objectors and others regarding the decision-making process.

The policy outlines how the Licensing Authority will consider and determine applications under the Gambling Act 2005. It also states how the authority will work to fulfil the three licensing objectives, which are:

• Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime;
• Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and
• Protecting children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

It is important to note that there are no other licensing objectives.

Read our current policy document (.pdf)

Please note that any observations or suggestions must be relevant to the licensing objectives. Where possible, please provide evidence to support any views expressed in your consultation reply.

This consultation has now closed.